The Book of Common Prayer
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The Edition of 1735 / 1743

 

THE

Communion Office

For the Use of the

C H U R C H
OF
S C O T L A N D,

As far as concerneth the

M I N I S T R A T I O N

OF THAT

Holy Sacrament.


Authorized by K. CHARLES I. Anno 1636.


All the Parts of this Office are ranked in the natural Order.


Printed in the Year of our LORD
MDCCXLIII.


 

Description of this text from Fragmenta Liturgica, Vol. 1:

Gadderer now began to insert directions, written on the margin, for departure from the Office as put forth in print; and from these an edition was circulated surreptitiously without place or name of printer, ("by two merchants," says Bishop Gerard, "hoping to make a penny" by the speculation,) in 1735. But nothing authoritative appeared till 1743; when Gadderer published what may be called the first standard edition, though differing only in date from the edition of 1735. This is here reprinted, with the variations (few and slight) of an edition, printed in very small size, also without place or name, in 1752.
    The edition of 1743 acquires additional importance, as the edition recognised by the Canons of the same year; those Canons forming the code of discipline for the Episcopal Church of Scotland till the year 1811.

 

After the Sermon, the Presbyter shall begin the Offertory, saying one or more of these Sentences following, as he thinketh most convenient by his discretion, according to the length or shortness of the time that the people are offering.

AND in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord: and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. Gen. iv. 3, (4,5).
    Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take my offering. Exod. xxv, 2.
    Ye shall not appear before the Lord empty: every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which he hath given you. Deut. xvi. 16.
    David blessed the Lord before all the congregation, and said: Blessed be thou, O Lord God, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth, is thine: thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and of thine own do we give unto thee. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. And now have I seen with joy thy people which are present here to offer willingly unto thee. 1 Cor. [sic] xxix. 10, (&c.)
   
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. Psal. xcvi. 8.
    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matth. vi. 19, 20.
    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven : but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matth. vii. 12.
    Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into it: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance : but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Mark xii. 41, 42, 43, 44.
    Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor. ix. 7.
    If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things ? 1 Cor. ix. 11.
    Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar? Even so bath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14.
    He which soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully. Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
    Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth, in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Gal. vi. 6, 7.
    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19.
    God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Heb. vi. 10.
    To do good, and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.

§ While the Presbyter distinctly pronounceth some or all of these sentencesfor the Offertory, the Deacon, or (if no such be present) one of the Church-wardens, shall receive the devotions of the People there present in a bason provided for that purpose. And when all have offered, he shall reverently bring the said bason with the oblations therein, and deliver it to the Presbyter, who shall humbly present it before the Lord, and set it upon the holy Table. And the Presbyter shall then offer up and place the bread and wine prepared for the Sacrament upon the Lord's Table. And
 

The major difference between this edition and the earlier 1724 version is that the various parts of the service have been substantially rearranged. (Hence the term "natural Order" on the title page). This rearrangement is maintained in subsequent editions.

§ Then shall he say this Exhortation.

DEARLY Beloved in the Lord, ye that mind to come to the holy Communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ, must consider what St. Paul writeth to the Corinthians; how he exhorteth all persons diligently to try and examine themselves, before they presume to eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a true penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy Sacrament; (for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood; then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we be one with Christ, and Christ with us:) so is the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. For then we be guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour: we eat and drink our own damnation, not considering the Lord's body: we kindle God's wrath against us; we provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of death. Therefore if any of you be a blasphemer of God, an hinderer or slanderer of his word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or in any other grievous crime, bewail your sins, and come not to this holy Table: lest, after the taking of that holy Sacrament, the devil enter into you, as he entered into Judas, and fill you full of all iniquities, and bring you to destruction both of body and soul. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord. Repent you truly for your sins past: have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour : amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men: so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And, above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world, by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both God and man : who did humble himself, even to the death upon the cross, for us miserable sinners, which lay in darkness and shadow of death, that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding great love of our Master and only Saviour Jesus Christ thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which by his precious blood-shedding he hath obtained to us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and continual remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, let us give (as we are most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen.

§ Then shall the Presbyter say,

    The Lord be with you :
    Answer. And with thy spirit.
    Presbyter. Lift up your hearts :
    Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
    Presbyter. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God :
    Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
    Presbyter. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, †Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.

These words (Holy Father) must be omitted on Trinity Sunday
 

 

PROPER PREFACES.

§ Upon Christmas-Day, and seven days after.

BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as on this day for us: who by the operation of the Holy Ghost was made very man of the substance of the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, &c.

§ Upon Easter-Day, and seven days after.

BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious Resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again bath restored to us ever- lasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c.

§ Upon the Ascension-Day, and seven days after.

THROUGH thy most dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord: who, after his most glorious resurrection, manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, to prepare a place for us ; that where he is, thither might we also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, &c.

§ Upon Whit-Sunday, and six days after.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: according to whose most true promise the Holy Ghost came down this day from heaven, with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth; giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations : whereby we are brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c.

§ Upon the Feast of Trinity only.

WHICH art one God, one Lord, not one only person, but three persons in one substance. For that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with angels, &c.

§ After which Prefaces shall follow immediately this Doxology.

THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts ; Heaven and earth are full of thy glory: glory be to thee, O Lord most High.
 

 

§ Then the Presbyter, standing up, shall say the Prayer of Consecration, as followeth. But then, during the time of Consecration, he shall stand at such apart of the holy Table, where he may with the more ease and decency use both his hands.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, which of thy tender mercy didst give thy only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption: who made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again: Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and of thy Almighty goodness vouchsafe so to bless and sanctify with thy word and Holy Spirit these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the body and blood of thy most dearly beloved Son; so that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of the same his most precious body and blood. Who, in the night that he was betrayed, *took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disciples saying Take eat this is my body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Likewise, after supper, he †took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins: do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.
 

*  At these words (took bread) the Presbyter that officiates is to take the paten in his hand.

†  At these words (took the cup) he is to take the chalice in his hand, and lay his hand upon so much, be it in chalice or flagon, as he intends to consecrate.

§ Immediately after shall be said this Memorial, or Prayer of Oblation, as followeth.

WHEREFORE, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly-beloved Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, we thy humble servants do celebrate and make here before thy Divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, the memorial thy Son hath willed us to make: having in remembrance his blessed Passion, mighty Resurrection, and glorious Ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same. And we entirely desire thy Fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that whosoever shall be partakers of this holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in them, and they in him. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service ; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.

§ Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, which by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to accept our alms, and to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the Spirit of truth, unity, and concord. And grant that all they that do confess thy holy name, may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors; and especially thy servant our King, that under him we may be godly and quietly governed. And grant unto his whole Council, and to all that be put in authority under him, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Pastors, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; that with meek heart, and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we commend especially to thy merciful goodness the congregation which is here assembled in thy name, to celebrate the commemoration of the most precious death and sacrifice of thy Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ. And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who in this transitory life be in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless thy holy name for all those thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labours. And we yield unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints, who have been the choice vessels of thy grace, and the lights of the world in their several generations: most humbly beseeching thee, that we may have grace to follow the example of their stedfastness in thy faith, and obedience to thy holy commandments; that, at the day of the general resurrection, we, and all they which are of the mystical body of thy Son, may be set on his right hand, and hear that his most joyful voice, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

§ Then shall the Presbyter say,

As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us,
we are bold to say,

OUR Father, &c.     For thine, &c. Amen.
 

 

§ Then shall the Presbyter say to them that come to receive the holy Communion, this Invitation.

YOU that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and be in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: draw near, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; make your humble confession to Almighty God, before this congregation here gathered together in his holy name, meekly kneeling upon your knees.

§ Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by the Presbyter himself, or the Deacon; both he and all the People kneeling humbly upon their knees.

ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men: we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we from time to time most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and be heartily sorry for these our misdoings: The remembrance of them is grievous unto us, The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father : For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy name, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Presbyter, or the Bishop (being present), stand up, and, turning himself to the People, pronounce the Absolution, as followeth.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them which with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him: Have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

§ Then shall the Presbyter also say,

§ Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him:

    Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matth. xi. 28. So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. 16.

§ Hear also what St. Paul saith:

    This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15

§ Hear also what St. John saith:

    If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John ii. 1, 2.
 


 

§ Then shall the Presbyter, kneeling down at God's board, say in the name of all them that shall communicate, this Collect of humble access to the holy Communion, as followeth.

WE do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We be not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

§ Then shall the Bishop, (if he be present,) or else the Presbyter that celebrateth, first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and next deliver it to other Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, (if any be there present,) that they may help him that celebrateth ; and after to the people in due order, all humbly kneeling. And when he receiveth himself, or delivereth the bread to others, he shall say this Benediction:

THE body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.

Here the party receiving shall say, Amen.

§ And the Presbyter or Minister that receiveth the cup himself, or delivereth it to others, shall say this Benediction :

THE blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.

Here the party receiving shall say, Amen.

§ When all have communicated, he that celebrates shall go to the Lord's Table, and cover with a fair linen cloth, or corporal, that which remaineth of the consecrated elements, and then say this Collect of Thanksgiving, as followeth,
 

 

ALMIGHTY and Everlasting* God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, which have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us, and that we be very members incorporate in thy mystical body, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, and be also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. We now most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord : to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

§ Then shall be said or sung Gloria in excelsis, as followeth,

GLORY be to God on high, and in earth peace, good-will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb· of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

§ Then the Presbyter (or Bishop, if he be present) shall let them depart with this Blessing :

THE peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord : and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

 
FINIS.

* The 1735 printing has Everliving

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